Scriptures: Luke 22:31-46
Peter Warned – Gethsemane
Luke 22:31-46
The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat, 32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”
33 He said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!”
34 He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.”
He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”
36 Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword. 37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me has an end.”
38 They said, “Lord, behold, here are two swords.” He said to them, “That is enough.”
When he was at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.”
He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. 44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. 45 When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Matthew 26:31-46
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”
33 But Peter answered him, “Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble.”
34 Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and pray.”
37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me.”
He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.”
40 He came to the disciples, and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Again, a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done.”
43 He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to his disciples, and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Arise, let’s be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.”
Mark 14:26-42
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
(27) Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ (28) However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”
(29) But Peter said to him, “Although all will be offended, yet I will not.”
(30) Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you, that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
(31) But he spoke all the more, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” They all said the same thing.
(32) They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.” (33) He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed. (34) He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch.”
He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 36 He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.”
37 He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words. 40 Again he returned, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they didn’t know what to answer him.
He came the third time, and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Arise! Let’s get going. Behold: he who betrays me is at hand.”
DANGER OF BEING OVER CONFIDENT.
In Mark 14:27-31, Jesus says to his disciples:
“You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I NEVER WILL.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”
But Peter kept insisting, “Even if I have to die with You, I WILL NEVER DENY YOU.” And all the others said the same thing.
Oh the danger of being over confident in our own effort and our own resolve!!
How often do we make resolutions that we will stick to a particular good habit? Many of us do it once a year with NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS.
How long is it before we have broken that resolution? If we are particularly well disciplined, we can last about a week or so. But eventually we will fall.
In our reading today, we have Peter making a vow to Jesus: “I WILL NEVER DENY YOU!”
However, Jesus tells us something else to contradict Peter’s resolve.
In Luke 22 he tells Peter (but Peter wasn’t paying attention to it – and notice Jesus calls him Simon here – which represented his old self):
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
And for us, we are reminded in Peter’s first letter (and Peter knew this very well):
“Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 BSB)
The devil will attack us on two fronts – 1. Our Weaknesses and 2. Our Strengths.
In this instance with Peter, the enemy attacked his strength – his self-confidence. Even Paul tells us not to trust in ourselves and our strengths.
“But we are the ones who have the true circumcision—we who worship God through his Spirit. We don’t trust in ourselves or anything we can do. We take pride only in Christ Jesus. Even if I am able to trust in myself, still I don’t do it. If anyone else thinks they have a reason to trust in themselves, they should know that I have a greater reason for doing so.” (Philippians 3:3-4 ERV)
And Peter tells us how weak we really are (even if we think we are not). Instead our confidence should be in Word of God:
“You have been born again. This new life did not come from something that dies. It came from something that cannot die. You were born again through God’s life-giving message that lasts forever. The Scriptures say, “Our lives are like the grass of spring, and any glory we enjoy is like the beauty of a wildflower. The grass dries up and dies, and the flower falls to the ground. But the word of the Lord lasts forever.” And that word is the Good News that was told to you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25 ERV)
And Paul adds how our confidence is in the Holy Spirit who empowers us:
“If you are guided by the Spirit, you won’t obey your selfish desires. The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should.
“But if you obey the Spirit, the Law of Moses has no control over you.
“People’s desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God’s kingdom.
“God’s Spirit (the fruit of the Spirit) makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.
“There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires.
“God’s Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don’t be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.” (Galatians 5:16-26 CEV)
Just adding to these thoughts from yesterday…
Just before Peter declared his loyalty to Jesus, saying that he would NEVER deny him, we read these words of Jesus:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat, but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32 WEB)
Things I am noting here:
1. Satan needs to ask permission from God to tempt/test someone.
2. God is in charge of what even Satan does.
3. God allows the temptation for a purpose – to purify us.
4. Jesus is praying for us that our faith will not fail in the trials.
5. The other purpose for the trial is so that we can help our brothers and sister.
HERE ARE SOME OTHER VERSES (please take time to read and meditate on these and be encouraged – these are God’s very words – and PLEASE comment.)
Now all these things happened to them (Israel – read the previous verses) by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall. No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (1 Corinthians 10:11-14 WEB)
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8-9 WEB)
One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.” Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not placed a hedge on every side around him and his household and all that he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out Your hand and strike all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face.” “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:6-12 BSB)
Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give up all he owns in exchange for his life. But stretch out Your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse You to Your face.” “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “He is in your hands, but you must spare his life.” (Job 2:3-6 BSB)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience. And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7 BSB)
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9 BSB)
1. Jesus anguish of being alone:
Those who were closest to him did not comprehend what was about to happen. Even though he said to them that his soul was consumed with sorrow to the point of death, and that he told them to keep watch, they did not understand the intensity of the situation. So Jesus prayed alone.
2. His intimacy with his Father:
He calls him Abba, Father, which means “daddy” or “papa”. And this relationship he told us we have with the Father. In the Lord’s prayer he taught us to begin our prayers with “Our Father…”
Check out about this amazing relationship we have with God our Father, just as Jesus did. Paul tells us about it in Romans 8 and Galatians 4.
– “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:15-17 ESV)
– “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”(Galatians 4:6-7 ESV)
3. All things are possible with God:
Jesus prayed that if it were possible, the hour would pass from Him… “All things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me.” We see here the anguish of that hour. In his human self, he did not want to have to face this agony. He believed that His Father could change this situation.
Just like at the last minute when Abraham was offering his son, Isaac, on the altar, as God had asked him to do, as a test of his obedience, at the last minute, God provided another way. There was a lamb in the bushes, which Abraham sacrificed. So it would have been possible for the Father to have turned the situation around for Jesus.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 ESV)
“Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Genesis 18:14 ESV)
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27 ESV)
4. Not My Will, but Yours:
Nevertheless, despite his own feelings and agony, he submits his will to the Father. “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Jesus said many times that this is why he was sent – To do the will of his Father.
Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” (Psalms 40:7-8 ESV)
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34 ESV)
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 5:30 ESV)
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.” (John 6:38-39 ESV)
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” (John 12:27 ESV)
So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11 ESV)
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11 ESV)
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:7-10 ESV)
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat, but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32 WEB)
Things I am noting here:
1. Satan needs to ask permission from God to tempt/test someone.
2. God is in charge of what even Satan does.
3. God allows the temptation for a purpose – to purify us.
4. Jesus is praying for us that our faith will not fail in the trials.
5. The other purpose for the trial is so that we can help our brothers and sister.
HERE ARE SOME OTHER VERSES (please take time to read and meditate on these and be encouraged – these are God’s very words – and PLEASE comment.)
Now all these things happened to them (Israel – read the previous verses) by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall. No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (1 Corinthians 10:11-14 WEB)
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8-9 WEB)
One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.” Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not placed a hedge on every side around him and his household and all that he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out Your hand and strike all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face.” “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:6-12 BSB)
Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give up all he owns in exchange for his life. But stretch out Your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse You to Your face.” “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “He is in your hands, but you must spare his life.” (Job 2:3-6 BSB)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience. And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7 BSB)
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9 BSB)
Jesus anguished in prayer alone: (Matt 26:38)
Those who were closest to him did not comprehend what was about to happen. Even though he said to them that his soul was consumed with sorrow to the point of death, and that he told them to keep watch, they did not understand the intensity of the situation. So Jesus prayed alone.
His intimacy with his Father (Mark 14:26):
He calls him Abba, Father, which means “daddy” or “papa”. And this relationship he told us we have with the Father. In the Lord’s prayer he taught us to begin our prayers with “Our Father…”
Check out about this amazing relationship we have with God our Father, just as Jesus did. Paul tells us about it in Romans 8 and Galatians 4.
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:15-17 ESV)
“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”(Galatians 4:6-7 ESV)
All things are possible with God (Mark 14:36):
Jesus prayed that if it were possible, the hour would pass from Him… “All things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me.” We see here the anguish of that hour. In his human self, he did not want to have to face this agony. He believed that His Father could change this situation.
Just like at the last minute when Abraham was offering his son, Isaac, on the altar, as God had asked him to do, as a test of his obedience, at the last minute, God provided another way. There was a lamb in the bushes, which Abraham sacrificed. So it would have been possible for the Father to have turned the situation around for Jesus.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 ESV)
“Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Genesis 18:14 ESV)
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27 ESV)
Not My Will, but Yours (Mark 14:36):
Nevertheless, despite his own feelings and agony, he submits his will to the Father. “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Matt 26:39)
Jesus said many times that this is why he was sent – To do the will of his Father.
Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” (Psalms 40:7-8 ESV)
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34 ESV)
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 5:30 ESV)
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.” (John 6:38-39 ESV)
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” (John 12:27 ESV)
So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11 ESV)
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11 ESV)
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:7-10 ESV)